This is the Reserva from Marques de Murrieta presented in a 6-litre format (Imperial), combining one of Rioja's most established house styles with a large-format, statement bottle. The estate, founded in 1852, is known for producing wines that balance traditional Rioja ageing with a more polished, modern approach. The wine itself is built mainly around Tempranillo, with small amounts of other authorised varieties such as Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. All fruit is sourced from the estate's Ygay vineyards, giving consistency and a clear house identity rather than a broad regional blend.
As a Reserva, it undergoes extended ageing in oak followed by time in bottle before release. The aim is to create a wine that shows both structure and early approachability, sitting between the more youthful styles and the fully developed Gran Reservas. The 6L format adds a different dimension. Large formats are often used for events, cellaring, or presentation, and they tend to preserve the wine more effectively over time, allowing for a slower, more gradual evolution compared to standard bottles. Within the Rioja hierarchy, this sits as a core premium wine, widely recognised and consistently produced, offering a reliable expression of the region without the intensity or extended ageing of top-tier Gran Reservas.
The style is defined by balance and integration, combining fruit, oak, and structure into a cohesive whole that works both for immediate drinking and medium-term ageing.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Red and dark fruit with spice and light oak
Palate:
Balanced and structured, with fruit, soft tannins, and subtle oak
Finish:
Smooth and persistent, with a refined, slightly spiced close
